Courts / Dublin / Report
Convicted murderer attacked elderly woman and two priests while on temporary release
Summary
A 42‑year‑old convicted murderer, Richard Kearney, was sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of offences committed while on temporary release from a life sentence. In March 2023 he briefly imprisoned a former prison chaplain in her bathroom, then robbed and assaulted an 86‑year‑old woman in Clondalkin, and later attacked two priests in Clondalkin. He attempted to choke a 74‑year‑old priest, broke the hip of an 86‑year‑old priest, and locked both priests in an office while taking a phone and cash. The court noted the victims were elderly and unable to resist. Kearney's temporary release was revoked after the offences, and the Parole Board will consider his conduct separately. The judge highlighted that the attacks were similar to the murder for which Kearney was originally convicted in 2001. The sentence was back‑dated to March 2023. Richard Kearney pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Convicted murderer attacked elderly woman and two priests while on temporary release. Charges or matters: 10 counts comprising four counts of false imprisonment, three counts of assault causing harm, two counts of robbery and one threat to kill at various locations in Dublin on March 6 and March 15, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- March 2023 Incident
- March 6 Incident
- March 15, 2023 Incident
- 2024-01-30 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 10 counts comprising four counts of false imprisonment, three counts of assault causing harm, two counts of robbery and one threat to kill at various locations in Dublin on March 6 and March 15, 2023 (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Kearney was jailed for life in 2001 for the murder of a 72-year-old woman who was found beaten to death in her Finglas home in 1998.
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